On Tuesday, members of the Traditional Council of Chiefs, Ewu-Urhobo in Delta State, called for the release of the detained monarch of Ewu Kingdom, Clement Ikolo.
According to them, the monarch is not in any way connected to the recent killings of 17 military personnel in the Okuama community in the Ughelli Local Government Area of the state.
The council clarified in a statement that the monarch had nothing to do with the conflict between the Okoloba and Okuama villages or with the deaths of military troops.
The council further noted that all the monarch had done was work to resolve the crisis that led to the tragedy since his ascension.
The statement partly reads, “His Majesty is in no way associated with the ongoing feud between Okoloba and Okuama communities, let alone the tragic killing of military personnel.
“Our monarch, His Royal Majesty Ovie Clement Oghenerukevwe lkolo, the Urhukpe 1, is a peace-loving man who has diligently sought to reconcile the factions within our kingdom since his ascension to the throne four months ago. He has not set foot in the Okuama community, nor has he visited Ewu, the headquarters of our kingdom, to engage in his royal duties.”
They, however, sympathised with the military and the families of the slain officers, while praying that the real perpetrators of the heinous act be brought to justice.
News About Nigeria reported that Ikolo is one of the eight people who were declared wanted by the Defence Headquarters in connection with the killing of the soldiers who were ambushed by suspected residents of Okuama Community on March 14, 2024.
They were reportedly ambushed and murdered while responding to a distress call during a clash between the Okuama and Okoloba communities in the south-southern state.
Immediately after the publication of his name, the monarch turned himself in and the Delta State Police Command has since handed him over to the military.
